新作坊

Social Integration and Europeanization: the Myth of Cultural Cohesion

摘要：

Theories of social integration presuppose a model of cultural consensus which is very much based on the nation-state. This idea of culture as a unitary framework based on consensus on core values, which are supposed to be embodied in European cultural identity, is reflected in many debates on European integration which stress the need for a socio-cultural dimension. But this idea of cultural cohesion as a pre-requisite for social integration fails to understand the nature of culture and social integration. Culture is becoming the site for new conflicts over identity politics and European integration is not leading to greater cohesion but to increased opportunities for contentious action. This paper examines conceptions of culture and social integration in particular with respect to the prospects of a Europeanization based on reflexivity and pluralization.